As I write this post, I know so many of you will be considering risk assessments, social distancing, to PPE or not to PPE and how to keep our children, families, staff and of course, ourselves safe, so perhaps we can share our thoughts? As an Educational Psychologist my context is slightly different, but I will be piloting the use of a perspex screen, visor and disposable 'pointers' as well as multiple sets of assessment tools and lots of anti-bacterial wipes and hand gel!
What are your plans and worries?
It is really good to hear the positive experiences of zoom or Teams based annual review meetings. I wonder if this will help to promote greater agency engagement at future meetings or maybe even make SEN Support review meetings more manageable?
I have managed 4 annual reviews virtually and it worked really well. Zoom interviews for new staff have also worked well. Teams meetings have worked well that have included the child for LAC reviews have been good too.
I had my first Annual Review over Teams, organised by our EHCP coordinator, this week. It worked brilliantly and was a lot easier than the copious emails it takes to organise a date that works for everybody. I wouldn't want to do it all the time but it certainly worked on this occasion.
Yes additional sounds perfect, I think there will be even more uptake as for some being released is really difficult.
Well said Claire! I am planning on providing a virtual network meeting alongside the termly face to face Essential SENCO network meetings as part of the annual programme next year. As you say, it enables a different form of participation for the times when we can't attend. Perhaps the key is 'additional' to rather than instead of, as it gives us options?
I think it really does have its strengths, especially as virtual events can also be recorded so those that can not make sessions can have a way of still being in the know or to act as a reminder for those that are there. I do agree it should not all go to virtual as getting to know each other during events is really beneficial.
Claire Ives
It is great that we are discovering so many new 'tools' that aid our communication at this time. Eastern Partnership (providers of the National Award in Co-ordination) have commissioned a virtual class room (called the Big Blue Button,) to aid the delivery of the remaining sessions for the Award and as a Tutor on the Norfolk programme I am being trained on its use tomorrow. The potential is huge I just hope my IT knowledge extends that far! I hope we choose to retain some of these methods for communication as we move forwards. I would hate to 'only' communicate virtually but at times, it could be a really useful method. What do you think about this?
I am working from home as we are shielding due to my daughter being extremely critically vulnerable. I had 5 meetings with parents yesterday via google meet which was interesting but good at the same time.
Claire Ives
It’s good to hear what is starting to happen. I completed my first EP visit with a Year 8 student today. They were attending School as child of Key Worker and urgent learning assessment requested by GP which was supported by school. The large Perspex screen worked really well, along with regular hand gel use by both of us. I have multiple assessment tools so those ’touched’ are in an envelope and won’t be used again for 7 days. It was so lovely to work with this student and it made me realise how much I have missed children! We both laughed when I told her that I started to write M &M when she told me she likes Eminem! Showing my chocolate bias there I think! But all went well and I’m quite proud that I managed 3 assessment bags and an enormous Perspex screen on my wheelchair! Looking forward to the next visit on Thursday. How is your week going?
I'm working from home as I mustn't go in and out of those 'bubbles' and other tasks can happen from home. We're interviewing for a specialist TA on Friday via Teams so that will be a first. We just have Year 6 in at one school and the three year groups at my other school plus key worker and vulnerable children. It's difficult not actually seeing it in action and keeping all the lines of communication open.
For me, I have plenty of hand washing soap for my hands, cleaning kits for tables and access to toys which can be washed and the instruction to keep distanced from other adults and look after myself, possibly amid hidden virus carriers. No outside professionals are set to visit yet and parents are not allowed in the building.There are plenty of other measures too. The new normal will take a while to settle into something steady and workable so that all children have access to their education and support. With a rise in Key Worker children requests at the end of last week, some of whom are staff members' children, we have had to put a halt on the plans for Y6 returning to school. Simply not enough space. With a bit of phasing in over June and July, we hope to give them a bit of a send-off. So here goes the planning for September, all in start; support for those who need it most; curriculum adjustment; new admissions with limited transition; gap analysis, SEMH support packages and just getting on with the job, without too much pressure, please- just the reminder to wash those hands and use a tissue!!